What is the term for a cell or organism that has had its genetic code altered?

The term "genetically modified" specifically refers to a cell or organism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This alteration can be achieved through various biotechnological methods, such as gene editing, where specific genes are added, removed, or modified to produce desired traits. This term encompasses a wide range of modifications, including those intended to enhance resistance to pests, improve nutritional value, or increase growth rates in plants and animals.

In contrast, while "transformed" can sometimes be used in a similar context, especially in molecular biology to describe the uptake of foreign DNA by a cell, it is more specific to certain processes, particularly in bacteria. The other terms, like "hybrid," refer to the offspring produced from the crossing of different species or varieties, and "cloned" pertains to the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism. Thus, "genetically modified" is the most accurate and comprehensive term for describing any organism or cell with altered genetic information.